Men’s sheds 2018–19 grant guidelines and application form
Building and strengthening Victorian communities

Men’s sheds 2018–19 grant guidelines and application formPage 1

The Victorian Government proudly acknowledges Victoria’s Aboriginal communities and their rich culture and pays respect to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia’s first peoples and as the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land and water on which we live, work and play. We recognise and value the ongoing contribution of Aboriginal people and communities to Victorian life and how this enriches our society more broadly. We embrace the spirit of self-determination and reconciliation, working towards equality of outcomes and ensuring an equitable voice.
To receive this publication in an accessible format phone 03 9096 7515 using the National Relay Service 13 36 77 if required, or email Daniel >
Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.
© State of Victoria, Department of Health and Human Services February, 2018.
Where the term ‘Aboriginal’ is used it refers to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Indigenous is retained when it is part of the title of a report, program or quotation.
ISBN 978-1-76069-273-5
Available atMen's Shed Program

Men’s sheds 2018–19 grant guidelines and application formPage 1

Minister’s foreword

The Andrews Labor Government is a proud supporter of men’s sheds. We recognise the important role that men’s sheds have in building and strengthening Victorian communities.

Men’s sheds are places where men can get together, work on common projects, form friendships and give back to their community. There are currently more than 360 communities across Victoria enjoying the benefits of having a local men’s shed.

I am very pleased to announce that the Victorian Government is releasing a new round of funding that will provide $885,000 in 2018 to men’s shed groups so they can create positive, safe and practical spaces to work together and contribute to their local community.

Grants of up to $60,000 are available for capital projects to support the construction of new men’s sheds and grants of up to $30,000 are available for the upgrade or refurbishment of existing men’s sheds across Victoria.

We encourage applications that demonstrate how investment in men’s shedswill build and strengthen local communities.We especially encourage applications that involve active management and participation by members of Aboriginal communities.

I look forward to announcing the successful recipients of this year’s men’s shed funding round in September.

Jenny Mikakos MP
Minister for Families and Children

Contents

Minister’s foreword

Men’s sheds in Victoria

What can a men’s shed grant be used for?

Who can apply for a men’s shed grant?

Applications from Aboriginal Community Organisations

Priorities for this funding round

What are the mandatory requirements for a men’s shed grant?

Funding ratio and in-kind contributions

Ineligible projects

Key steps in the application process

Key information to include in the application

What happens if the grant application is successful?

Auspicing

More information

Information session

Department of Health and Human Services Local Connections teams

Men’s Sheds Grant Application 2018

Which category of funding is this application for?

What amount of funding is this application for?

Section 1 – Contact information

Section 2 – Project overview

Section 3 – Project details

Section 4 – Project budget

Voluntary labour and In-kind support information sheet

Appendix 1: Checklist for applicants

Who to consult

Supporting documentation – to be attached to the application

Men’s sheds 2018–19 grant guidelines and application formPage 1

Men’s sheds in Victoria

There are now more than 360men’s sheds across Victoria.

Men’s sheds are safe and practical places for men to meet, make social connections and actively participate in their local communities.

Men’s sheds:

  • are community based, non-profit organisations, accessible to all men, whose primary activity is the provision of a safe and friendly environment
  • are often located in a shed or workshop space in a community-based setting
  • provide a place for regular contact with other men and a range of activities that are determined by the participants
  • partner with other organisations to share resources and build on existing services, and many undertake projects to assist the wider community. Partnerships can involve local businesses, councils, other government agencies, community groups, Aboriginal community controlled organisations and local clubs and associations
  • are supported by volunteers and are accessible and inclusive spaces.

What can a men’s shed grant be used for?

New build grants of up to $60,000 are available to:

  • construct a new men’s shed
  • redevelop an existing building into a men’s shed

Refurbishment grants of up to $30,000 are available for:

  • modifications to meet health and safety and/or disability access standards
  • modifications to meet public access needs
  • modifications to increase shed capacity
  • refurbishments to expand activities based on community demand.

Who can apply for a men’s shed grant?

Funding is available to incorporated, not-for-profit organisations and local councils.

Eligible organisations that currently auspice a men’s shed, or intend to establish a men’s shed, may also apply for funding, provided they can demonstrate need for a shed in the local community and that they have consulted with local men about the project.

Applications from Aboriginal Community Organisations

Men’s Shed funding applications involving active management and participation by Aboriginal communities are a high priority. Assistance with the grant application process is available, including support from the department’s Aboriginal Engagement Units. If you would like assistance, please contact your departmental Local Connections Team to discuss the available options (see pages 10 and 11). Flexibility around the grant requirements can also be provided.

Priorities for this funding round

Priority will be given to projects that:

  • involve active management and participation by members of Aboriginal communities
  • demonstrate a high level of need for the project in the community
  • demonstrate capacity to enhance the health and wellbeing of members
  • represent considerable value for government investment
  • will address significant disadvantage in the local community
  • support the inclusion of newly arrived migrant and refugee communities.

What are the mandatoryrequirements for a men’s shed grant?

Each grant application must demonstrate proof of:

  • land availability for a period of five years from project completion
  • community consultation, including with local men, and a demonstrated need for the project in the community, which is proportional to the grant amount requested
  • detailed design plans and an understanding of building permit and planning requirements, including overlays
  • a strategic plan for the men’s shed group, outlining how the group will fund and manage operations for the next five years
  • written agreement with the auspice organisation (if applicable)
  • support from key community partners.

Applicants must involve men’s shed participants in the project development and delivery phases.

Men’s shed projects must be completed within two years of funding approval.

The funded men’s shed must operate as a facility that is open to the wider community for a minimum period of five years.

Funding ratioand in-kind contributions

For every $2 of funding provided under the men’s shed grant from the Victorian Government, at least $1 must be matched from other sources.

Other sources may include fundingand support from the men’s shed group, othergovernment organisations, businesses,philanthropic organisations,the local council and communityfundraising.

Realistically costed in-kind expenses andcontributions such as voluntarylabour and donated materials can be claimed in the project budget up to 25 per cent of the total project cost.

Applicants should describe the type of voluntary labour and in-kind support that is expected to be contributed to the project in the application, as well as in the project reports.(See the ‘Volunteer labour and in-kind support information sheet’ in this document).

Some flexibility around this 2:1 matched funding requirement may be applied to applications from Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations. Please contact your departmental Local Connections Team (see pages 10 and 11) if you are unable to meet the full 2:1 matched funding requirement.

Example:
If a grant of $30,000 is sought, the total project cost would be at least $45,000.The applicant will need to provide at least $15,000 towards the project from other sources.
Some of that funding may be in the form of in-kind contributions, such as volunteer labour. In kind contributions up to 25 percent of the total project cost may be applied.
If the total project cost is $45,000 then the maximum in-kind contribution would be $11,250, leaving a minimum financial input from the shed or other sources of $3,750.
This figure would vary if the total project cost was higher, or if the in-kind contribution was lower.

Ineligible projects

The men’s shed grants will notfund:

  • project proposals that are submitted after the closing date
  • men’s sheds that have received more than $25,000 Victorian Government funding through the men’s shed program in the last five years, except where a men’s shed can demonstrate it has experienced capacity issues as a result of rapid growth in membership or needs to address health and safety issues affecting the shed or needs to improve disability accessibility to the shed
  • men’s sheds that have projects funded by the Victorian Government currently underway
  • leases or site purchases
  • requests for retrospective funding where projects have commenced or are completedprior to receiving funding approval
  • projects that fail to incorporate disability or public access requirements
  • projects that require ongoing funding from the Victorian Government
  • projects that do not reflect the principles of community inclusion and appropriate access by all community members
  • projects that do not have a security of tenure (lease or land ownership) for at least five years
  • costs to cover existing debt or budget deficits
  • operational costs including but not limited to shed coordination costs
  • costs not directly related to building and construction
  • equipment or free-standing furniture or resources, such as vehicles, tools and chairs
  • any application that is unlikely to be completed within two years
  • projects that do not address the reduction of social isolation in men.

Key steps in the application process

  1. Applicants should contact their local council for advice about planning and building permits for their project. The application should demonstrate an understanding of the permits required for the proposed project and the process of obtaining them. Applications should also specify which overlays (Heritage, environmental, floodway etc) apply to the proposed site and how the requirements of each overlay will be met.
  2. Applicants should discuss their project with the Victorian Men’s Shed Association and/or the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc, before applying. These organisations can provide support and guidance to applicant organisations. Contact details for these organisations are in the ‘More Information’ section of these guidelines.
  3. An information session about this funding round will be held on Thursday 22 March 2018.
  4. Applicants are required to discuss their application with the relevant Department of Health and Human Services Local Area contact, as shown on page 11. This includes submitting a draft application by Friday 20 April 2018. This will enable the Department of Health and Human Services contact to provide feedback on any components of the submission that may be incomplete or need further information. The objective of this step is to ensure that the applicant organisation is assisted to submit a high-quality application that meets the funding criteria.
  5. Final applications must be received by the relevant Department of Health and Human Services Local Connections Team by mail or email, by 5.00 pm on Friday 8 June 2018.Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Key information to include in the application

Ensure your application includes the following information:

•the level of community need (number of group members, existing alternate community infrastructure, other nearby men’s sheds, funding history)

•level of local support (community consultation, letters of support specifying any partnerships or contributions to be made)

•proof of land ownership or security of tenure for the project site (minimum 5 year lease)

•demonstrated knowledge of local council planning requirements

•demonstrated knowledge of any applicable overlays

•project plans

•strategies for successful completion

•strategicplan for the men’s shed

•all proposed budget contributions are confirmed in a letter or email of support, with the amount specifically stated

•links to local businesses and/or local government, as well as neighbourhood houses or other community groups

•a copy of the men’s shed group’s most recent profit and loss statement. If there is an auspice arrangement in place, then the auspice organisation’s profit and loss statement should be provided, unless the auspice is a local government body

•memorandum of understanding if the men’s shed group is auspiced

•type of men’s shed activities

•opportunities and anticipated benefits for target groups of men and the broader community

•level of community demand

•any ongoing partnerships with community organisations.

What happens if the grant application is successful?

Successful groups will be required to enter into a service agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services. This includes requirements to share project outcomes, participate in evaluation activities and complete progress and final reports. Final reports must be submitted within 90 days of building completion. Successful applicants will need to be incorporated and either have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or obtain an ABN before funds can be transferred. Shed groups wishing to apply that are not incorporated or do not wish to have an ABN will need to use an auspice.

Payments will be made after successful recipients have established a service agreement with the department and provided the necessary organisational and banking information.

Projects must be carried out in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws and standards.

Auspicing

To be eligible for funding through the Men’s Shed Funding Program, recipient organisations must be incorporated. If the men’s shed group is not incorporated it must either become incorporated or arrange for an incorporated organisation to manage the funds. This organisation will be the ‘auspice’ organisation for the grant application. If the application is successful, the grant will be paid to the auspice organisation.

Shed groups that choose to use an auspice arrangement must have in place a Memorandum of Understanding (or equivalent) with their auspice organisation, specifying the nature of the auspice relationship and each organisation’s roles and responsibilities. The Memorandum of Understanding should also specify the ownership of all assets and funds, and a copy should be submitted with the grant application.

The Victorian Men’s Shed Association can provide more detailed information about how to build a successful auspice arrangement and the components of a strong Memorandum of Understanding <

More information

Please refer to page 11 forcontact details of theDepartment of Health and Human ServicesLocal Connections Teams across Victoria.

Appendix 1 contains an information checklist for application details.

The Victorian Men’s Shed Association (VMSA) contact details can be found at the Victorian Men’s Shed Association website < Contact Executive Officer, Victorian Men’s Shed Association, Ric Blackburn by email > or phone 0408 465 228.

The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc. is available to provide advice, support and guidance with the grant process. Telephone (03) 9411 9411 or email .

All volunteer labour must be conducted in accordance with the relevant WorkSafe guidelines. See the WorkSafe Victoria website for information about managing volunteers

Information session

There will be an information session about this funding round for all interested parties.

Date: Thursday22 March 2018

Time:1.30– 3.00pm

Venue: Conference room 1.10, Level 1, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, 3000

To register for the Melbourne session please contact Daniel Pennefather < or telephone 9096 7515.

Videolinksof the session will also be available at some local Department of Health and Human Services offices. To register to attend a local video link site for the public information session, please contact the relevant departmental representative in the following table.

Department of Health and Human ServicesLocal Connections teams

Division / Area / Local government area / Local departmental contact
East / Outer East / Yarra Ranges, Knox, Maroondah / Kinsie Hope

9843 6776
East / Inner East / Manningham, Whitehorse, Monash, Boroondara / Mark Tyrrell
<>
9843 6269
East / Goulburn / Greater Shepparton, Strathbogie, Moira, Mitchell, Murrindindi / Elizabeth Tatai
<>
5771 1658
East / Ovens Murray / Wodonga, Indigo, Towong, Wangaratta, Benalla, Mansfield, Alpine / Sandra Broz
<>
(02) 6055 7830
North / Loddon / Loddon, Greater Bendigo, Campaspe, Macedon Ranges, Mount Alexander, Central Goldfields / Elinder Moore
<>
5434 5904
North / Mallee / Mildura, Swan Hill, Buloke, Gannawarra / Bruce Thorne
<>
5022 3146
North / Hume/
Moreland / Hume, Moreland / Rebecca O’Dowd
<>
9412 2617
North / North East / Nillumbick, Banyule, Yarra, Darebin, Whittlesea / Frankie Gallagher
<>
9479 0381
South / Outer Gippsland / Wellington, East Gippsland / Jill Ayres
<>
5144 9140
South / Inner Gippsland / Latrobe, Baw Baw,
South Gippsland, Bass Coast / Tania Cake
<>
5136 2569
South / Southern Melbourne / Casey, Cardinia,
Greater Dandenong / Denise Olsson
<>
8765 7330
South / Bayside Peninsula / Frankston, Mornington Peninsula, Kingston, Bayside, Glen Eira, Stonnington, Port Philip / Emma Robinson
<>
9784 3140
West / Barwon / Geelong, Surf Coast, Queenscliffe, Colac-Otway / Renee Williams
<>
5226 4692
West / Wimmera South West Area / Warrnambool, Moyne, Glenelg, Southern Grampians, Corangamite
Northern Grampians, Horsham, West Wimmera, Yarriambiack,Hindmarsh, / Catherine Darkin
<>
5561 9436
Dianne Stewart
<>
5358 8406
West / Central Highlands / Ararat, Pyrenees, Ballarat, Hepburn, Moorabool,
Golden Plains / Melissa Collier
<>
5333 6804
West / Brimbank/Melton / Brimbank, Melton / Haileluel Gebre-Selassie
<>
9479 0268
West / Western Melbourne / Melbourne, Maribyrnong, Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Moonee Valley / Sally Moonie
<>
9275 7531

Men’s Sheds Grant Application 2018